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Discover Europe's Great Masterpieces

11th September 2025

Our expert advisors’ most artfully curated cruise and tour itineraries.

 

Across Europe’s rich cultural canvas, the great masters have left their mark: in soaring cathedrals, grand Renaissance squares, and the quiet hush of galleries where genius still whispers from every brushstroke. Now, you’re invited to walk in their footsteps, and create your own masterpiece of discovery.

These one-of-a-kind luxury journeys merge art, cuisine, architecture, and soul-stirring landscapes into experiences that linger long after the final port or piazza. From Gaudí’s fantastical Barcelona to the terracotta towns of Tuscany, the romantic banks of the Rhine to the luminous shores of Lake Como – let the continent’s most iconic destinations inspire your next getaway.

Step into your very own work of art with these exceptional cruises and tours, hand-picked by our expert travel advisors.

 

Regent Seven Seas – Enchanted Evenings

11 nights | Barcelona to Rome aboard Seven Seas Mariner

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The Sagrat Cor Church is the awe-inspiring structure at the highest part of Barcelona's greatest mountain, Mount Tibidabo.

In Barcelona, the legacy of Antoni Gaudí rises in joyful defiance of the ordinary in a cityscape shaped by whimsy and wonder. Here, his Sagrada Familia reaches for the heavens while the curving mosaics of Park Güell and Casa Milà hint at a dream world made real. Setting sail from this enchanting city, your journey continues to Mallorca, where olive groves whisper tales of centuries past and Palma’s Gothic cathedral offers a solemn counterpoint to the shimmer of the sea.

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Take in the sights from Barcelona to Rome aboard Regent Seven Seas' exquisite Seven Seas Mariner.

From the sparkling sophistication of Monte Carlo to the Renaissance treasures of Florence, this voyage paints a rich portrait of the Mediterranean. In Tuscany, da Vinci, Botticelli, and Michelangelo come alive within the hallowed halls of the Uffizi and Accademia. And in Rome, every cobblestone, fountain, and column offers yet another brushstroke in the great mural of history.

“This itinerary is an art lover’s dream. The Seven Seas Mariner elevates every moment at sea with impeccable service, gourmet dining, and inclusive shore excursions that truly bring each destination to life.” – Melissa Goetz, Travel Associates Williamstown, VIC

 

Back-Roads – Italian Indulgence

13-day tour | Rome to Venice

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The Back‑Roads Italian Indulgence tour offers a beautifully paced, immersive exploration of Italy, from its iconic cities to hidden gems.

Italy was made to be savoured slowly. With Back-Roads’ boutique approach, you’ll discover the soul of the country on winding country roads and in charming towns where Renaissance stories are still unfolding. Learn the art of Tuscan cooking in a rustic villa, hunt for truffles in sun-kissed Alba, and glide through the mirrored waters of Lake Maggiore to the fantastical Borromean Islands.

Florence awaits with its Duomo and the marble majesty of Michelangelo’s David. Then it’s on to Portofino’s coastal glamour and Lake Como’s fairy-tale serenity. Your grand finale? The floating city of Venice: a living artwork of Byzantine palaces, narrow canals, and starlit gondolas.

“There’s a magic in travelling by luxury mini-coach. The experience is intimate, authentic, and totally immersive. You’ll see Italy not just as a visitor, but almost as a guest of the land. This tour is a masterclass in the art of slow travel.” – Tanya Hurley, Travel Associates Runaway Bay, QLD

 

Tauck – Savouring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence

10-day Rhône River Cruise aboard MS Lumière

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Tauck’s river cruise-tour is a delicious blend of iconic cities, wine-country beauty, and gourmet indulgence along the Rhône River.

In France, “l’art de vivre” (“the art of living”) is not just a phrase, it’s a philosophy. This indulgent voyage begins in Paris, where dinner at legendary Fouquet’s and a pastry masterclass at Le Cordon Bleu sets the tone for what's to come. Aboard Tauck’s elegant MS Lumière – set to debut in 2026 – you’ll drift down the Rhône through vineyard-laced hills, stopping for wine tastings in Beaujolais and private lunches in Provençal ranches.

Explore the gastronomic capital of Lyon, glide past fields of lavender and Roman ruins, and enjoy exclusive cultural evenings in a historic château. This is no ordinary river cruise; this is an ode to French elegance, served with a glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and paired with views you’ll never forget.

Tauck’s new MS Lumière is setting a new standard in river cruising – small guest numbers, spacious suites, and exclusive experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else. My favourite is the resort-style sundeck with a pool and outdoor bar! Cruising along the majestic Rhône doesn’t get better than this.” – Nicola Sinclair, Travel Associates Victoria Point, QLD

 

Avalon Waterways – Romantic Rhine (Southbound)

8-day River Cruise | Amsterdam to Basel aboard Avalon Tranquility II

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Avalon's Romantic Rhine river cruise starts with a gentle canal cruise along the charming grachten of Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal district.

From the historic canals of Amsterdam to the dramatic Rhine Gorge, this cruise is a voyage through the very heart of Europe’s artistic and architectural heritage. In Cologne, gaze up at the Gothic spires of its world-famous cathedral. In Strasbourg, lose yourself in the half-timbered charm of La Petite France.

Along the way, ancient castles stand sentinel above the river, the cobbled towns of Rüdesheim and Mainz beckon with wine and wonder, and Switzerland’s Black Forest region offers fairytale landscapes and timeless craftsmanship. Onboard, Avalon's Panorama Suites redefine river cruising with wall-to-wall water views from the comfort of your bed.

Avalon’s open-air balconies are a game-changer. They blur the line between your suite and the stunning landscapes outside. Unlike traditional balconies, there's no barrier: just floor-to-ceiling glass that slides open to create an immersive, panoramic experience everywhere you look. It’s the perfect spot to sit and enjoy your morning coffee with the Rhine Gorge unfolding before you.” – Nathalie Groult, Ross & Turner Travel Associates, Paradise Point, QLD

 

Collette – The Balkans: From Coastal Croatia to Legendary Greece

15-day small group tour

For the culturally curious, the Balkans are a revelation. This region, where East meets West, is a mosaic of ancient cities, natural beauty, and powerful history. Begin in Zagreb’s cobbled lanes, then dive into the warmth of rural Croatian hospitality in Karanac. Share meals with locals in Sarajevo, hear personal stories of resilience, and cruise Montenegro’s serene Kotor Bay.

Continue through Albania’s rising capital of Tirana, the mystical monasteries of Metéora, and finally to Athens, where the Acropolis glows with timeless grandeur. This small-group tour gives you the rare opportunity to engage with Europe’s lesser-known cultural heart, where every encounter reveals a new perspective, and every step brings the past vividly to life.

“This is a journey that goes beyond the postcard. It’s about stepping into the lives and landscapes that shape the real Balkans. You’re not just visiting iconic cities like Dubrovnik or Athens; you’re dining in family homes, hearing first-hand accounts of history in Sarajevo, and exploring lesser-travelled places like Gjirokastra and Kotor, often missed by traditional tours.” – Karalee Watson, Travel Associates Brighton, SA

 

Book Your Next Luxury Cruise or Tour Holiday

There’s a reason Europe is a destination that travellers keep coming back to – it’s quite literally a living gallery of genius, beauty, and soul. From the frescoed domes of Florence to the mosaic curves of Barcelona, and the hidden gems tucked behind gilded facades, every location tells a story shaped by the great masters of art.

Our collection of extraordinary journeys invites you to soak up all the cultural treasures of the continent while enjoying the highest levels of comfort and exclusivity. Whether by sea, river, or land, your next escape goes beyond just planning a trip – this is your chance to create your very own bespoke living work of art.

Speak to your advisor today to discover your next luxury cruise or tour holiday.